Sheffield United: Unsworth in a positive frame of mind

James Shield
Sheffield United

DAVID Unsworth, Sheffield United’s new assistant manager, has revealed the club’s players are in a positive frame of mind despite 24 hours of upheaval at Bramall Lane.

Unsworth was speaking after being officially confirmed as Chris Morgan’s deputy following the departure of Danny Wilson and Frank Barlow earlier this week.

Morgan, who took charge when Wilson parted company with United on Wednesday evening, admitted “emotions were running high” when news of the former Northern Ireland international’s exit was relayed to the first team squad.

Unsworth told The Star: “What I can tell the fans, and I’m not saying this just for a line, is that during that first session I saw a group of talented footballers working at full throttle who are all determined to try and win promotion.

“About 20 minutes in I thought ‘Blimey, this is one of the best sessions I’ve been involved in’ regarding the attitude of the lads and the way they were going about their business.

“I wish everyone who comes to Bramall Lane could have seen it. I thought the players were fantastic.”

Unsworth, a member of the United squad which reached the Premier League seven years ago, added: “Morgs came in and spoke to the lads first off. Then he asked me to take a lot of the session because he wanted to take a step back and observe.

“I thought that was excellent because it shows you how serious he is about his job.”

Unsworth, previously of Everton and England, returned to South Yorkshire earlier this term after accepting a position with United’s academy.

Speaking ahead of tomorrow’s crucial encounter with Swindon Town, he said: “When Morgs and I played we were both whole-hearted and committed.

“What I can’t stand, at any level, is people who are happy to come off the gas. Who think they can come in and have a lazy day in training because that’s not how it works.”

Like Morgan, Unsworth also paid tribute to the way Wilson and Barlow have acquited themselves since parting company with fifth placed United.

“They both came over and wished everyone the best. There was no edge to them and that was a touch of class.”